Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman has conceded the Labor leadership less than a day after declaring her candidacy.
This means current deputy Steven Miles, the only other MP to put his hand up, will be the next Queensland premier.
Woodridge MP Cameron Dick, the current treasurer, will be his deputy.
Mr Miles said Mr Dick would stay on as treasurer and he would not seek to remove Ms Fentiman from the health portfolio, although he admitted there would be other “leadership changes”.
Only 18 hours after announcing her intentions to run for party leader, Ms Fentiman withdrew her nomination because it was “clear that a majority of Labor Members of Parliament will support Steven Miles”.
“As a result, I will not be standing as a candidate for the Labor leadership when Caucus meets on Friday,” she said.
“I want to congratulate Steven and offer my support in the work ahead.”
Just days ago Queensland Labor Party insiders told MyCity Logan they thought Ms Fentiman would have the numbers to win a vote against Mr Miles.
Ms Fentiman said so herself on Monday afternoon.
“Labor MPs know me, they know my track record of bringing people together, of listening and delivering,” she said.
“We need a refreshed approach, a government with fresh ideas and energy, one anchored in Labor values with robust cabinet processes.”
The contest between Ms Fentiman and Mr Miles, both members of Labor’s left faction, rested on the support of Woodridge MP Cameron Dick, the state’s treasurer and a member of Labor right.
In late-night negotiations on Monday, an “agreement” was made with Mr Dick to secure Mr Miles the support of the right faction.
Mr Dick accepted Mr Mile’s offer to be his deputy.
“I made this decision… based on my view of who is the best leader for Queensland,” Mr Dick said to press on Tuesday afternoon.
“And I’m absolutely convinced Steven Miles is the best leader for Queensland.
“It’s abundantly clear to me that Steven has the overwhelming support of our party.”
Current premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will remain in the position until Friday.
A caucus meeting scheduled for that day will see the new premier elected.
